Finalists announced for local transportation BEST Awards
EUGENE, OR (February 12, 2020) — Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation today announced finalists for the second annual BEST Awards. Inspired by the Oscars and affectionately known as the “BESTies,” the awards recognize excellence in improving the quality of transportation in the Eugene-Springfield area.
Community members submitted almost 50 nominations for awards in different categories.
BEST’s panel of judges selected four finalists for the Transportation Innovations Award, recognizing new approaches for improving the safety, practicality or enjoyability of transportation options:
- Arcimoto — now producing affordable electric fun utility vehicles (FUVs) for all
- EmGo — pilot of free point-to-point electric shuttle service in downtown Eugene
- Eugene Amazon Active Transportation Corridor — region’s first protected two-way bikeway, first diagonal bike signal, and more
- Lane Transit District TouchPass — electronic fare payment system, allowing riders the flexibility to prepay and reload fare value to a mobile device or tap card
The panel also selected four finalists for the Walkable Neighborhoods Award, recognizing achievement designing or building neighborhoods where basic services are within walking distance:
- 959 Franklin — high-rise student housing across the street from the University of Oregon
- Crescent Village/The McKenzie — expanding mixed-use walkable community in north Eugene
- Downtown Springfield — discover the bold and authentic people, places and experiences along Main Street
- Plumley Green — cluster of houses in south Eugene two blocks from Friendly Market
Finally, they selected four finalists for the Transportation Heroes Award, recognizing people acting above and beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of transportation:
- Laughton Elliott-DeAngelis — Springfield Safe Routes to Schools coordinator walking the walk
- Friendly Area Neighbors Transportation Team — improving safety, mobility and equity
- Emma Newman — Springfield senior transportation planner
- Deputy Sheriff Tom Speldrich — a “can-do” attitude to reducing dangerous travel behaviors
The public is invited to honor all the finalists and learn the winners at a dinner ceremony on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Lane Community College’s Center for Meeting and Learning.
Founded in 2012, BEST is a local nonprofit building a successful community by bringing people together to promote transportation options, safe streets, and walkable neighborhoods.
To learn more or to reserve a space, visit best-oregon.org/besties.
